'Such a joy to see their faces'
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The garden was designed by special education teacher Christine Pearsall to develop the senses of the pupils who attend the facility, which has been serving the needs of children with special needs since 1963.
Ms Pearsall, a teacher of the senior phase for the last six years who previously ran a plant nursery on Lewis, was eager to take a lead on the garden, which was constructed by Ayrshire firm Landscaping Scotland, and supported by school staff and community volunteers.
She said: "I was really keen to take over the project and make it very specific to the needs of the children, who I am very familiar with.
"I wanted to address all the sensory needs of all of our pupils."
And the finished design, which was five years in the making, is packed with features to do just that.
The main walkway around the circular garden was laid out with rubberised resin bark giving a fun, spongy-like surface for the youngsters to walk upon.
A sensory pathway has been created putting crunchy shells, bark, pebbles and moss underfoot, and the whole garden area is peppered with low-lying walls allowing pupils to practice their balance or use as small seating areas.
The sensory garden’s central focal-point features a large polished steel sphere with water cascading down the sides.
And edible plants, aromatic herbs, and rustling grasses are among the many aspects in place to complement the pupils’ senses.
A tranquil garden of remembrance, sprinkled with soothing flowers of blue, pink and white and finished with a bamboo water fountain, was created to commemorate the youngsters who died before completing their schooling.
Ms Pearsall said privacy was a theme throughout the garden and pupils were delighted with the end result.
"It was such a joy to see their faces when they walked into this area to see this wonderland," she said.
"It’s been fascinating to watch their reactions and to see their delight."
Head teacher Mark Elvines said the school was fortunate to have had generous donations and inspirational staff "to create such a special place for special young people".
